Nursing Shortage Solutions From a Public Health View

The nursing shortage isn't a new headline, but its urgency has reached a crescendo. I’ve noticed throughout my time in the field that the healthcare system faces a critical gap in its frontline force due to the COVID-19 pandemic, an aging population and demanding workloads.¹ When looking for solutions to this nursing shortage, the problem isn't just about hospital staffing; it also impacts public health on a broader scale. Because this shortage is a public health concern, we can look for solutions using a public health viewpoint. With that, here are some solutions to short-staffing in nursing that can create a more sustainable nursing workforce.

In This Article: 

• The Public Health Impact of the Nursing Shortage 
• Nursing Shortage Solutions for a Sustainable Workforce 
• Public Health Advocacy 
• Enhancing Educational Opportunities and Their Impact 
• Become Part of the Solution to Short Staffing in Nursing

Nurses are the cornerstone of a healthy society, not just of the healthcare system. Their roles extend far beyond bedside care, influencing public health outcomes at every stage. However, a critical shortage of nurses can create a public health cascade with far-reaching consequences.²

In my experience, a shortage of nurses causes a domino effect — appointment cancellations, longer wait times and potentially delayed diagnoses become the norm. This can lead to missed opportunities for public health initiatives like preventative care and screenings, vaccinations, as well as chronic disease management, which rely heavily on nurses. These programs are crucial for early detection and intervention, preventing the spread of diseases and improving overall population health. A shortage of nurses can hinder these efforts, potentially leading to a rise in preventable illnesses and a weakened public health infrastructure.³

The current environment is taking a toll on nurses themselves. High workloads, staffing shortages and stressful working conditions contribute to rampant burnout and compassion fatigue. This emotional and physical strain can lead to higher turnover rates, further exacerbating the shortage. A depleted and demoralized nursing workforce ultimately translates to a decline in the overall quality of care for patients.³

I’ve noticed throughout my career in public health that the impact of the nursing shortage goes beyond numbers. It's about the individuals who face delayed diagnoses, the families who struggle to access preventative care, and the communities left vulnerable to outbreaks due to weakened public health efforts. It's about the nurses bearing the brunt of a system under immense strain.

Addressing how to fix the nursing shortage requires a multi-pronged approach that focuses on attracting new talent into the profession while retaining existing nurses.⁴ Some critical strategies from a public health perspective are investing in nursing education, streamlining licensure processes, promoting work-life balance, competitive salaries, and benefits, focusing on diversity and investing in technology.⁴

Increasing funding for nursing schools could potentially be used to expand program capacity, offer scholarships and loan forgiveness programs, as well as incentivize faculty positions.⁴ Simplifying licensing procedures for nurses moving between states or re-entering the workforce can address staffing shortages in specific regions. Flexible scheduling, childcare options and mental health resources can improve job satisfaction and retention. This includes addressing mandatory overtime and ensuring appropriate patient-to-nurse ratios.⁴

Compensation that reflects the value and responsibility of nursing roles — including competitive salaries and affordable healthcare benefits — may also help with attracting and retaining talent.⁴ Providing pathways for nurses to pursue specializations, leadership roles and higher education can also incentivize career progression within the profession.

The nursing workforce should reflect the communities it serves. Efforts to increase scholarships and mentorship programs for underrepresented minorities can create a more diverse and inclusive nursing population.⁴ Technology can streamline administrative tasks, improve data access, and facilitate communication, freeing nurses to focus on patient care.

We can look through a public health viewpoint to see how it can impact the nursing shortage. The public health community can play a role in highlighting the impact of public health, supporting policy change and engaging with the public. Public health officials can use data to underscore the adverse effects of the nursing shortage on population health outcomes. Advocacy for policies that promote nurse education, fair compensation and safe working conditions can create a more favorable environment for the profession. Public health campaigns can educate the public about the value of nurses and encourage young people to consider nursing careers.

The Devastating Impact of COVID-19 in Nursing 

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the nursing shortage, straining the healthcare system even further.⁵ Nurses faced unprecedented challenges, including increased workload and stress, exposure risks and safety concerns, and moral distress.⁶ With a surge of patients and constantly evolving protocols, nurses were stretched thin, leading to burnout and mental health issues.¹ The constant threat of infection for nurses themselves and their families added an extra layer of stress and anxiety. Insufficient personal protective equipment during the initial stages of the pandemic further intensified these concerns. Witnessing high patient mortality rates and making difficult decisions due to limited resources inflicted significant moral distress on many nurses.¹

Investing in nursing education isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. Universities like Grand Canyon University demonstrate the importance of offering a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate nursing programs to promote solutions to the nursing shortage. This caters to the needs of aspiring nurses just starting their careers as well as experienced nurses seeking advancement or specialization.

GCU's programs, including their MSN in Public Health, are a prime example. These programs cultivate the next generation of nurses by equipping them with essential skills and knowledge, and they provide ongoing opportunities for current nurses to pursue specialization. They strive to equip nurses with the specialized skill set needed to address critical population health issues. Graduates can gain expertise in promoting disease prevention, advocating for health equity and building robust public health infrastructure. This specialized knowledge is vital in a post-pandemic world where strengthening these areas is paramount. A well-trained public health nursing workforce can play a crucial role in preventing future outbreaks and building resilience within healthcare systems.

By continuing to invest in a wide range of educational opportunities across the nursing spectrum, we can ensure a steady pipeline of qualified nurses for every level of care. This means supporting programs that train not just bedside nurses, but also Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), nurse educators and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) who can assume leadership roles in public health and healthcare administration.

Investing in a diverse range of educational programs is not a one-time solution. Continuous talent cultivation is essential for building a robust and sustainable nursing workforce and promoting nursing shortage solutions.⁶ Universities, healthcare systems and public health institutions must collaborate to identify and address emerging needs in the profession. This includes developing innovative teaching methods, expanding clinical placements and fostering mentorship programs that support new graduates as they transition into practice. By working together, we can help future generations of nurses have access to the high-quality education and supportive environment they need to thrive.

Public health advocacy and continued investment in educational programs can help in creating a well-prepared nursing workforce for the future. Let’s continue to demonstrate a commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the healthcare system. To learn more about how you can become a part of alleviating the nursing shortage through enrolling in a public health nursing bridge pathway, fill out the form on this page.